Sebastian Rochford
British drummer and composer Sebastian Rochford first gained international acclaim as part of the experimental and electronic jazz outfit Polar Bear and has since collaborated with names like David Byrne, Brian Eno and Nadine Shah, while also being the touring drummer for Patti Smith. The drummer first appeared on ECM with Andy Sheppard’s band on 2012’s Libero and subsequently on Surrounded By Sea (2015) and Romaria (2018), before releasing his first leader-date for the label with his own compositions A Short Diary – in duo with Kit Downes – in 2023. The album is dedicated to Rochford’s father, Aberdeen poet Gerard Rochford (1932-2019) and to his family. According to Pitchfork, “‘A Short Diary’ rarely relaxes into a comfortable emotional space, though its mood is consistent in its muted qualities. it’s as honest a depiction of grieving as you might hope to hear.”
Downbeat: [...]
British drummer and composer Sebastian Rochford first gained international acclaim as part of the experimental and electronic jazz outfit Polar Bear and has since collaborated with names like David Byrne, Brian Eno and Nadine Shah, while also being the touring drummer for Patti Smith. The drummer first appeared on ECM with Andy Sheppard’s band on 2012’s Libero and subsequently on Surrounded By Sea (2015) and Romaria (2018), before releasing his first leader-date for the label with his own compositions A Short Diary – in duo with Kit Downes – in 2023. The album is dedicated to Rochford’s father, Aberdeen poet Gerard Rochford (1932-2019) and to his family. According to Pitchfork, “‘A Short Diary’ rarely relaxes into a comfortable emotional space, though its mood is consistent in its muted qualities. it’s as honest a depiction of grieving as you might hope to hear.”
Downbeat: “Too unexpected for background music, the thoughtful, precise sounds of this respectful and warm duo demand attention; the overtones are as compelling as Downes’ minimalist keyboard strikes. Rochford’s judicious cymbal and suggestion of brush add just the right touches.”
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| YEAR | DATE | Artist | VENUE | LOCATION | |
| 2025 | April 27 |
Sebastian Rochford / Kit Downes
"A Short Diary" |
ECM Explorations- Philharmonie | Paris, France | Event |